Researchers say University of Manitoba blocked video on GM crops
September 12, 2005
Helen Fallding
CP Wire [via Agnet]
WINNIPEG -- Stephane McLachlan, an environment professor at the University
of Manitoba, and his PhD student Ian Mauro, were cited as accusing the
university of blocking the release of their video exploring the risks of
genetically modified crops while at the same time courting funds from
biotech companies.
The story explains that the two completed a feature-length documentary
in 2002 with help from independent Winnipeg filmmaker Jim Sanders, and
is based on interviews with Prairie farmers about their experiences --
good and bad -- with genetically modified canola.
But the Seeds of Change video has never been screened because the
university and the researchers, who share the copyright, have been
unable to negotiate an agreement on its release.
The story explains that the university originally demanded assurances
it would not be liable if anyone sued. One insurer demanded a $50,000
deductible for any lawsuits by crop marketer Monsanto, which has a
reputation for protecting its interests vigorously through the courts.
The company is featured in the documentary because of its legal battle
with a Saskatchewan farmer and its development of genetically modified
wheat. Monsanto Canada spokeswoman Trish Jordan was quoted as saying,
"Obviously, we've never seen (the video), so I'm not sure how these
guys could assume that we would sue them."
Now that a private investor has pulled out of the Seeds of Change
project and the filmmakers have made it clear they don't intend to
make a profit, the lawsuit issue has apparently been dropped by the
university.
Alan Simms, who represented the university in early negotiations
before going on to head the university's Smartpark research complex,
was quoted as saying, "I've seen (the video) and I think it's fair.
It's not a biased kind of thing."
But McLachlan said the university is still demanding control over
where and when the video is shown, while at the same time requiring
a disclaimer indicating the project has nothing to do with the
university.
University spokesman John Danakas would not say what restrictions
the university would place on how the video is screened, because
those details have not yet been discussed with the researchers.
The university wants to make sure the documentary is only used for
educational purposes, he said.